A native of Kentucky, John H. Rountree entered the Wisconsin lead region in 1827 from Montgomery County, Illinois. He prospected during the summer of 1827 and in November began mining on the site of Platteville. This founder of Platteville established furnaces and made pig lead of his ore. He opened a store to supply local miners, sold and gave away building sites on lands he claimed, and in 1835 platted the town. He engaged in mining, mercantile pursuits, farming, and public employments most of his life.
